House

Rosenstein: No evidence Comey asked for more resources for Russia probe

by Jordain Carney - 05/19/17 1:24 PM ET

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein told lawmakers that former FBI Director James Comey did not ask for more resources for the probe into Russia’s election meddling shortly before he was fired.

“I want to address the media claims that the FBI asked for additional resources for the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. I’m not aware of any such request,” Rosenstein said, according to his released remarks.

He added that he also “consulted my staff and Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, and none of them recalls such a request.”

{mosads}The New York Times first reported earlier this month that Comey made a request to the Justice Department for more resources, including more prosecutors and personnel for the investigation, which also includes potential contacts between President Trump’s campaign associates and Moscow.

Four congressional officials told the Times that Comey’s request was made directly to Rosenstein. The Justice Department denied that Comey had asked for additional resources shortly before he was fired.

House lawmakers confirmed after a briefing with Rosenstein on Friday that he told them he was not aware of Comey’s request.

“He has no evidence that Comey asked for any further resources, that all resources were there,” House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said in brief comments after the meeting.

Rosenstein met with House lawmakers on Friday during a closed-door meeting. He also met with the Senate on Thursday during a similar briefing, which was set up in the wake of Comey’s firing.